Robert’s journey is a reflection of dedication, growth, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed. With a background in education and experience in financial aid and student accounts, he has built a career centered on supporting students through every stage of their journey. His impact extends beyond the office as well, where he serves as a girls basketball coach and a two-time Coach of the Year recipient, mentoring young athletes and helping them grow both on and off the court. Whether working with students or coaching his team, Rob brings the same commitment, leadership, and drive to make a difference. In this interview, he shares more about his path, the lessons he has learned, and what continues to motivate him.
Can you tell me a bit about your background and how you got to Ross?
I grew up in Michigan and stayed local for school, where I studied education. At the time, I thought my path would lead me into teaching, but as I started gaining experience, I realized there were other ways to be involved in education outside of the classroom. I worked in financial aid at another school before coming to Ross, and that experience gave me a strong understanding of how important support systems are for students. A lot of students are trying to navigate school, finances, and life all at once, so being able to guide them through that process became something I really valued. Eventually, that led me to Ross, where I found a role that allows me to continue supporting students in a meaningful way.
What do you do at Ross, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I work in student accounts, so I help students with the financial side of their education. That can include answering questions, helping them understand their accounts, and making sure they feel comfortable with the process. A typical day involves a lot of communication, whether that is in person, over the phone, or through email. Every student situation is different, so it keeps things interesting. My goal is always to make things as clear and stress free as possible for them, because finances can be one of the more overwhelming parts of going to school.
You originally studied education. Did you always see yourself working in this kind of role?
Not at first. When I started, I thought I would become an instructor. But over time, I realized that working behind the scenes in education can be just as impactful. Even though I am not teaching in a classroom, I still get to support students every day and help them stay on track. That shift in perspective helped me appreciate the different roles that exist in education and how they all contribute to student success.
What are some skills that have helped you succeed in your role?
Communication has been one of the biggest ones. Being able to explain things clearly and make sure students understand their options is really important. Patience is another big one, because every student comes in with a different situation and sometimes different levels of understanding. Staying organized and being willing to keep learning has also helped me a lot. You have to stay adaptable and open to new information.
What is something about your role that people might not realize?
A lot of people do not realize how much goes on behind the scenes. There is a lot of coordination, problem solving, and follow up that happens to make sure everything runs smoothly for students. It is not just answering questions in the moment. It is also making sure things are set up correctly for the future and helping prevent issues before they come up.
You coach girls basketball and have won Coach of the Year. Can you tell me more about that experience?
Basketball has always been a big part of my life, so getting into coaching felt like a natural step. I coach for a local school district, and it has been an incredible experience. Winning Coach of the Year was a huge honor, especially because it reflects the effort of the entire team and coaching staff. It is not just about me. It is about the players, their growth, and the work they put in every day. Seeing them improve and succeed is what makes it all worth it.
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy building relationships with the players and helping them grow. It is not just about basketball. It’s about teaching discipline, teamwork, and confidence. You get to see them develop over time, not just as athletes but as people. Those lessons carry over into other parts of their lives, and that is what makes coaching so meaningful.
How long is your basketball season, and what does that commitment look like?
The season runs for several months, typically from November through March, so it is a significant time commitment. There are practices, games, and preparation in between. It definitely keeps me busy, but it is something I enjoy, so it never feels like a burden. It is a big part of my routine during that time of year.
How do you balance your career at Ross with coaching and family life?
It can be a lot to manage, especially during the season, but I have learned how to balance my time. Outside of basketball season, I get more time to focus on family and other things. It is all about prioritizing and making sure I am present wherever I am. Having that balance is important to me.
What challenges did you face early in your career?
Starting out at a younger age was definitely a challenge. I had to learn how to communicate effectively and build confidence in myself. There were times when I had to step outside of my comfort zone, especially when working with people who had more experience. Over time, I realized that staying open to learning and being willing to improve every day made a big difference.
How did you overcome those challenges?
I focused on staying teachable and being willing to listen. I asked questions, learned from others, and worked on improving my communication. Building confidence takes time, but once you start seeing progress, it motivates you to keep going.
What is the most rewarding part of your work at Ross?
The most rewarding part is seeing students succeed. Some students I have worked with have been here for several years, so you really get to see their journey from start to finish. Watching them grow, overcome challenges, and reach their goals is something that never gets old.
Do you have a moment that stands out where you felt you made a difference?
There have been moments where students have had that realization that they can do it, even when they were unsure of themselves. Being able to support them through that and see them push forward is really impactful. Those moments remind you why the work matters.
Have you had any mentors or influences along the way?
Yes, I have had people who have helped guide me and influenced how I approach both work and leadership. They showed me the importance of leading by example, staying consistent, and continuing to grow. Having those influences made a big difference in my development.
How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style has evolved over time. I focus on being supportive, leading by example, and helping others build confidence. Whether it is at work or in coaching, I try to create an environment where people feel encouraged to improve and succeed.
What keeps you motivated, especially during challenging times?
The desire to keep improving and helping others is what keeps me motivated. There is always something new to learn, and there is always an opportunity to make a difference. That mindset helps me stay focused, even during more challenging periods.
What are your future goals?
Right now, I am focused on continuing to grow in my current role and improving as a coach. I think it is important to stay present and appreciate where you are while still working toward getting better every day.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I would say to believe in yourself and trust the process. Show up every day, put in the effort, and stay consistent. You might not always know how things will turn out, but if you keep working and stay focused, things will fall into place.
What advice would you give to someone interested in coaching or working in education?
Get involved, build relationships, and do not be afraid to put yourself out there. A lot of opportunities come from the connections you make and the effort you are willing to put in. Stay open to learning and be willing to grow.
Robert’s story highlights the impact of consistency, leadership, and a willingness to grow. Through his work at Ross and his dedication to coaching, he continues to support and inspire those around him. His journey is a reminder that success is not always about following a single path, but about showing up, putting in the effort, and making a difference wherever you are.